Day 2 Official Draft Discussion thread

vife · Post by **vife** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:23 pm

He does not sound very smart. I'm glad we got rogers and not pacman

I'm suprised he understands the questions.

oafusp · Post by **oafusp** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:23 pm

MANUEL WHITE: FB

TSN: Projected 6th round

Bad blocker
Powerful short yardage RB
6-1 242 lbs

I guess we dont need a DE or WR, or DT???

I think this guy (White) could have been a free agent rookie.

vife · Post by **vife** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:24 pm

Late third or 6th, those are big differences.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:24 pm

Manuel White Jr
FB | (6'2", 244, 4.65) | UCLA

Scouts Grade: 45

Flags: (D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy Selected by: Washington Redskins
Round: 4
Pick (Overall): 19(120)

Strengths: Is an intriguing developmental FB prospect because of his unique blend of size, athleticism and speed. Has great experience as a ball carrier and receiver. Shows excellent initial burst and good speed for his size. Has some lateral movement quickness and does a decent job of planting and driving without losing much in transition. He has good vision and patience as a runner. Is a powerful runner with good body lean and lower body strength. Has soft hands for a bigger back out of the backfield and shows a good feel as a route runner in the short area. Has good size as a blocker. Is raw as a blocker but has some upside if he can improve his technique while getting bigger and tougher.

Weaknesses: Durability is a concern after missing four games with a leg injury in 2003 and suffering a knee injury during the 2005 Senior Bowl. He's a bit of a 'tweener who lacks the top-end speed and explosiveness of a fulltime NFL running back, but also lacks experience and strength as a blocker. His awareness and angles must improve as a blocker. He needs to also do a better job of sustaining and playing with leverage. Is big but must improve his lower body strength and overall power as a blocker. Also needs to become more physical and aggressive in that facet.

Overall: In 2003, White started the first eight games (five at RB and three at FB) before being sidelined by a fractured right scapula in the Arizona State game. At the time of his injury, he was the team's leading rusher. He finished with 379 net rushing yards and three touchdowns, while also averaging 10.1 yards on 10 receptions. White returned healthy as a senior in 2004, where he continued to play a 'tweener RB/FB role and split carries with RB Maurice Drew. White finished with 164 carries for 764 yards and eight touchdowns. He also chipped in with 20 receptions for 115 yards. White is a versatile fullback in the mold of Packers' FB Najeh Davenport just not nearly as athletic. White lacks ideal experience as a blocker but he has excellent size and some upside in that area if he can improve his technique and get much stronger. He also has good speed for his size and excellent experience carrying and catching the football. Essentially, White is a running back stuck in a fullback's body. Because White is such a unique athlete with the versatility to provide production as a runner, blocker, receiver and on special teams, he is worth taking a late chance on by a team that uses its fullback in a versatile role. However, he looked to be woefully week as a blocker at the Senior Bowl and he lacks the explosiveness as an athlete to bother wasting a pick on him any earlier. Furthermore, his knee injury in the Senior Bowl provides even more reason for concern.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/dra ... er?id=8419

portis26 · Post by **portis26** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:25 pm

Was Pac Man stoned in that interview?

vife · Post by **vife** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:26 pm

Hahaha i don't think so. i think taht's just him

Clinton Portis · Post by **Clinton Portis** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:26 pm

Take a damn DE...we have one more pick!

Cross your fingers for a DE guys.

fleetus · Post by **fleetus** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:27 pm

Special teams is always a big need. Plus possibly a goal line back. White has great hands for his size so he might develop into an H-back backup to Cool

ey.

vife · Post by **vife** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:27 pm

We have more than 1 pick left.

Clinton Portis · Post by **Clinton Portis** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:28 pm

I mean in the 4th.

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:28 pm

I like this pick. He was rated the best FB in Street and Smith's Pro Football Draft Guide and the 2nd best FB in The Sporting News Pro Football Draft preview.

I think he will do well with us. Great pickup.

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:29 pm

Manuel White Interview

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/manuelwhiteinterview.htm

With: Chris Horwedel

8/4/04

Chris Horwedel: What's up Manuel. How have you been spending your summer?
Manuel White: Pretty much just been training.

Chris Horwedel: What kind of workout schedule do you have?
Manuel White: It's intense man, from dusk til dawn.

Chris Horwedel: Is there a player you pattern the way you play after?
Manuel White: I'd have to say guys like Eddie George and Jamal Lewis.

Chris Horwedel: You're an Canyon Country guy, What about UCLA separated it from Cal or USC Who were your top 3 schools?
Manuel White: You know, I really liked the family atmosphere UCLA possessed. UCLA, USC, Washington were my top 3.

Chris Horwedel: Have you had a chance to talk with any scouts about your game and/or where they see you going?
Manuel White: A lot of scouts like me at fullback, but I don't believe I have really shown what I am capable of as a tailback.

Chris Horwedel: Did you consider turning pro last year?
Manuel White: As a junior I believe everyone questions whether they are ready or not to play on the next level.

Chris Horwedel: If you could pick a pro team to play for, who would it be and why?
I would love to play somewhere in California so my friends and family can watch.

Chris Horwedel: What's the first thing you'd like to do when you get your first pro paycheck?
Manuel White: I'd Get my parents a big gift, thanking them for everything they have done for me.

Chris Horwedel: Before the play, what's the first thing you're looking for in the opposing defense?
Manuel White: Before the snap I look at the safeties because they tip off the defense

Chris Horwedel: Was there anyone that surprised you during spring ball? Someone/some people you think will step up and become stars for the team this year?
Manuel White: Maurice Drew and our offensive line looked great. Drew, Chris Horton, Bruce Davis, Idris Moss will be stars.

Chris Horwedel: Who is the toughest opposing player you played up against in your time at school?
Manuel White: I would have to say Troy Palumalu

Chris Horwedel: Do you see yourself as a big tailback or a quick fullback?
Big Tailback who can play fullback.

Chris Horwedel: What's more enjoyable for you, breaking a big run or blowing open a hole for your halfback?
Manuel White: I honestly like pass blocking.

Chris Horwedel: If you could add any one current college football player to the UCLA roster tomorrow, who would it be and why?
Manuel White: I would keep the team I have.

Chris Horwedel: What's your current height/weight/40?
Manuel White: 6'2" 242 and I haven't ran a 40 in two years

Chris Horwedel: Do you think people overrate the importance of 40 times?
Manuel White: Yes because some people play fast and run slow 40's Just as some people run very fast 40's and play slow.

Chris Horwedel: Which one quality do you consider your greatest strength?
Manuel White: My Composure

Chris Horwedel: Which area of your game do you feel needs a bit of work?
Manuel White: Break away speed

Chris Horwedel: Not to end on a sour note or anything, but let's say things are different and you never played football. What would you be doing?
Manuel White: I would probably be in the NBA starting for the Lakers.

portis26 · Post by **portis26** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:29 pm

He would be a RB for us, in the mold of a John Riggins.

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:31 pm

Manuel White: I honestly like pass blocking.

fleetus · Post by **fleetus** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:31 pm

That's the spirit! We need to embrace these guys and give them a chance to play for us before we decide their fate. Gibbs likes character and thats an intangible that we have almost zero insight on. A little trust is needed.

air_hog · Post by **air_hog** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:32 pm

I like getting a FB, but I bet we could have got Chris Canty at 120, then got White at 154.

But at least White is the best at his position.

Smithian · Post by **Smithian** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:33 pm

Remember, last year Portis had lots of good runs out of the I-formation.

fleetus · Post by **fleetus** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:35 pm

154 - DL
183 - LB
222-OL

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:36 pm

vife wrote:What happened to all of our "needs"

They are still there "needing" tobe addressed. I do not understand this draft.

Not a single addition in our trenches either DL or OL. I do not understand this draft at all. :hmm:

vife · Post by **vife** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:37 pm

What will happen to Betts then? If we drafted this guy.

What needs are left then?

portis26 · Post by **portis26** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:37 pm

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are having a great draft.

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:38 pm

Redskin in Canada wrote:
vife wrote:What happened to all of our "needs"
They are still there "needing" tobe addressed. I do not understand this draft.

Not a single addition in our trenches either DL or OL. I do not understand this draft at all.

You'll understand it this time next year!

Clinton Portis · Post by **Clinton Portis** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:38 pm

We'll see who's draft produces better on the field.

oafusp · Post by **oafusp** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:39 pm

vife wrote:What will happen to Betts then? If we drafted this guy.

What needs are left then?

Actually, it is what will happen to Cartwright?

This guy will be our Gerald Riggs.

I actually like this after reading up on White.
A battering ram for the 4th quarter.
He'll beat up on defenses and make holes that our O-line has been having trouble with.

Also says he has good hands....but poor blocking.

fleetus · Post by **fleetus** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:40 pm

How about TE Dreesen at #154? This guy should be gone by now.

Dreessen has been a starter since his redshirt freshman season in 2001. As a junior in 2003, he had 29 receptions for 323 yards and three touchdowns despite missing four games because of a severe lower abdominal strain. He returned healthy as a fulltime starter in 2004 and finished his senior season with 43 receptions for 427 yards and three TD's. Dreessen is very much an underrated prospect. He does lack elite size and elite athletic ability but he is at least adequate in both areas. He needs to improve his lower body strength and improve his in-line blocking skills but he has the size and upper body strength to match up in space as a blocker in the NFL. He also is a solid route runner with above average speed and outstanding hands. Dreessen has the potential to develop into a fulltime starter in the NFL and he has the character and work ethic to get the most out of his abilities. His potential to long-snap at the next level will also help him on draft day. There's a good chance that Dreessen will slip to the third round of the upcoming draft. If that's the case, we think he'll wind up becoming a "steal" at that point.